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Still relevant parts of the most recent emailed circulars are reproduced below, along with a developing Draft of the next, but check out the Diary for full listings.
Circulars dated:   3/12/23   21/11/23

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The email circulation list with currently over 1300 contacts provides regular information on folk events across southern Devon roughly within a 30 mile radius as the crow flies of Totnes. The e-circulars are sent on a regular basis, usually one every 7-14 days, not more than one per week apart from exceptional circumstances (and never with any attachments).

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Harberton Folk Circular - ???day ?? [month] 2023

Part One - A full listing for the coming month
Part Two below - Other stuff
The full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear as always on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

***** Part One *****

text

***** Part Two - Other Stuff *****

text

All information is given in good faith but no responsibility can be accepted for its accuracy. Do check with the organiser before setting out on a long journey. A listing here does not guarantee that tickets are still available.
Changing your email address?
Should you need to change your email address for receiving these circulars, please use the 'Update subscription preferences' link at the foot of this email to update your details. There is also an 'Unsubscribe' link.

John Culf
johnculf@harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
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3/12/23

Harberton Folk Circular - Sunday 3 December 2023

Part One - A full listing for the coming month, followed by one-liners for January
Part Two below - Other stuff
The full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear as always on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

***** Part One *****

NEW Tuesday 5 December 2023 8pm - The Exmouth Shanty Men - The Beach Pub, Exmouth EX8 1DR
Our final outing of the year at our home port of the Beach Pub in Exmouth (at the end of the esplanade, adjacent the marina). www.exmouthshantymen.com.

Saturday 9 December 2023 - Jim Causley: A Causley Christmas! - St Mary's Church, Cheriton Bishop, Exeter EX6 6HY
Details via www.jimcausley.co.uk

Saturday 9 December 2023 7.30pm - d'Accord French & Breton dance and music - St James Church Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter EX4 7AH (map)
details tba Eelgrinders www.facebook.com/groups/149787688758876.

Sunday 10 December 2023 7.45pm - Jigantics - Folk on the Moor, Moorland Hotel, Wotter, Plymouth PL7 5HP
Descriped as the "Cajun-kissed folk rockery", The Jigantics provide the perfect way to finish our 2023 guest programme. They are one of the liveliest bands on the scene, with foot-tapping vocals, harmonies and instrumention - guitar, bass, ukelele, squeezebox, harmonica, mandolin and percussion. For reservations please contact folkonthemoor1@gmail.com. www.moorfolk.co.uk.

Sunday 10 December 2023 7.30pm - The Furrow Collective - The Great Hall, Dartington Estate, Totnes TQ9 6EL (map)
'We Know By The Moon' winter tour. 
Best Group BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017. English/Scottish band consisting of four talented, individually prominent performers: Lucy Farrell (viola, voice & saw), Rachel Newton (harp, fiddle, voice), Emily Portman (banjo, concertina, voice) and Alasdair Roberts (guitars, voice). The group formed in 2013, drawn together by a shared love of traditional song and balladry inspired by England, Scotland and beyond, and an open, intuitive approach to collaboration. Signature spine-tingling harmonies and masterful storytelling. Full details www.dartington.org/event/the-furrow-collective-we-know-by-the-moon.

UPDATED Thursday 14 December 2023 7.30pm - The Great Sea Choir: Winter Songs - St Peter's Church, Wyndham Square, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 5EG
Sold out?
See www.wegottickets.com/event/596038.

Thursday 14 December 2023 7.30pm - St Agnes Fountain - Beehive Arts Centre, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ
Christmas, as they say, starts with St. Agnes Fountain. Presenting carols with a curve. Full details www.beehivehoniton.co.uk.

NEW Thursday 14 December 2023 8pm - Russell Sinclair - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
Blues from local guitar wizard.
Free. Full details www.barbicantheatre.co.uk/whats-on.

UPDATED Friday 15 December 2023 7.30pm - St Agnes Fountain - The Watermark, Erme Court, Leonards Road, Ivybridge PL21 0SZ (map)
Only a few tickets left Christmas, as they say, starts with St. Agnes Fountain: Chris While, Julie Matthews and Chris Leslie. Carols with a curve. ‘The Aggie’s’ latest album, Night Of A Million Stars was released in time for the December 2021 tour with 9 brand new songs from the band. Although the albums accompany the putting up of a thousand Christmas trees throughout Britain and around the globe as their reputation reaches further afield, it is, without question, their magical live performances that have endeared them to an ever-growing audience. Full details www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk.

Friday 15 December 2023 7.30pm - Geoff Lakeman & Rob Murch - St Petroc`s Church, 12 Wellington Square, South Brent TQ10 9AG
The "Concertina Crooner" and the "Titan of Twang" team up in a dynamic folk/acoustic duo. Geoff teases English and Irish folk, Americana and jazz songs out of his vintage duet concertina. Rob brings the wow factor to the banjo, with his unique,punchy fingerstyle playing. Expect self-written and West Country songs, rattling folk tunes and foot-stomping ragtime and cakewalk riffs. Details, tickets etc. here. Support: Wild Goose Choir.

Saturday 16 December 2023 from 11am - The Great Sea Choir with Wheelhouse Folk Choir - Great Barn, Buckland Abbey, nr Yelverton PL20 6EY
General admission fee or NT membership www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey.

Saturday 16 December 2023 7.30pm - John Kirkpatrick: Carolling & Crumpets - The Great Hall, Dartington Estate, Totnes TQ9 6EL (map)
John is one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene, performing solo, in duos, acoustic groups and electric bands, and has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso (melodeon, Anglo concertina and button accordion), as well as a leading interpreter of English folk music. This special seasonal show is a Christmas treat not to be missed! Full details www.dartington.org/event/john-kirkpatrick-carolling-crumpets.

Saturday 16 December 2023 8pm - Gittisham Folk Dance Club Christmas Ceilidh with Pair of Shears - Victory Hall, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3EE
Caller: Jane Thomas. Light
refreshments available. £10 on door, or call 01404 758128 to book. Full club details see www.gittishamfolkdanceclub.org.

Saturday 16 December 2023 8pm - The Wilderness Yet - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)  
The trio combines the clear, charismatic vocals of former BBC Young Folk Award finalist Rosie Hodgson with the fine, sensitive fiddling of Rowan Piggott and the deft guitar and flute playing of Philippe Barnes. Independently, they have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians; together, they weave an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs and tunes, from a cappella three–part harmonies to luscious instrumental
arrangements. Full details www.calstockarts.org.

Saturday 16 December 2023 7.30pm - The Lost Sound Dartmoor Folk Choir - Lustleigh Village Hall TQ13 9TA
A hearty selection of Winter and seasonal songs of festivities, feasting and jollyment! Join us for a rousing celebration of the season with 40+ singers raring to sing! Presented by Lustleigh Entertainments and Arts Project. Ticketing details to follow: www.lustleighvillagehall.co.uk.

Saturday 16 December 2023 7.30pm - The ContraBand - Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Totnes Rd, Marldon, Paignton TQ3 1RR
Free parking. A Folk Plus Promotions (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063679143279) presentation.

NEW Saturday 16 December 2023 9pm - Wild Fenn - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
Wild Fenn (previously known as Engel and the Mountain People) are an Indie/Folk band based in Devon, UK. Rising and falling harmonies combined with poetic lyrics paint pictures of summer nights and bygone days. Our songs are heavily inspired by the natural world and our lyrics aim to convey a subtle urgency to remember, cherish and protect our wild places. £5.
Full details www.barbicantheatre.co.uk/whats-on.

Sold out Saturday 16 December 2023 - Mad Dog Mcrea - The Rum Store, Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, Liskeard, Cornwall (map)
www.carnglaze.com.

Sold out Sunday 17 December 2023 - Seth Lakeman - Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
In aid of Plymouth & Cornwall Cancer Fund.
www.barbicantheatre.co.uk/whats-on.

Sunday 17 December 2023 - Christmas Party - Folk on the Moor, Moorland Hotel, Wotter, Plymouth PL7 5HP
Everyone welcome. Why not come and join us? 24 & 31 December - Club closed for Christmas.

Sunday 17 December 2023 8pm - Suthering and Windjammer Songs for Wintertide - Tavistock Wharf (map)
A festive collaboration with two of the finest bands on the English folk scene. The Tin Sail Collective (Suthering and Windjammer) come together for a very special Christmas collaboration for the second year in a row. After a hugely successful sell-out performance at The Barbican Theatre (Plymouth) in 2021, they return with an atmospheric, winter-themed evening of folk songs. Combining rich five-part vocal harmonies with harmoniums, whistles, flutes, piano, guitars and accordion, this exciting and dramatic collaboration is a show is not to be missed. Expect unique interpretations of traditional tunes and Christmas favourites, as well as original music from both bands. Full details www.tavistockwharf.com.

Tuesday 19 December 2023 7.30pm - Jim Causley & Sally Sedgman  - St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, Exeter EX4 3BL
Chaos at Christmas: Sally Sedgman will perform her ‘Chaos at Christmas’, or to give it its fuller title: “The Chaos Theory of Life after Christmas!” an hilarious guide to putting the festive season into perspective that everyone in the family will relate to! Join Jim Causley in celebrating the Christmas season as he entertains you with lesser known West Country carols, medieval and secular carols from around the British Isles, his own settings of moving Christmas poems by his relative, the late Cornish poet Charles Causley as well a gurt dollop of festive fun with songs of over-indulgence and even a spot of panto too! Details https://nicholaspriory.com/events/causley_christmas_23.

UPDATED Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 December 2023 8pm - Mad Dog Mcrea - Tavistock Wharf (map)
Check availability with venue Standing. Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band. Full details
www.tavistockwharf.com.

Wednesday 20 December 2023 7.30pm - Wheelhouse Folk Choir: Winter Songs - St Eustachius Church, 5A Plymouth Rd, Tavistock PL19 8AU
Join Tavistock's Wheelhouse Folk Choir for their annual charity winter concert. This season the choir has put together a powerful selection of songs inspired by winter; from indie-folk, to contemporary to inspiring arrangements of traditional melodies. With contemporary songs championing composers Karine Polwart, Alela Diane, Fox and the Bird, Lau, Hannah James, Kate Young, The Staves and many more. All proceeds to charity. Adv booking recommended. Full details www.wegottickets.com/event/596019.

Thursday 21 December 2023 9pm - Live music featuring The Penguins - The Old Warehouse, Prince of Wales Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1DY
details tba

Thursday 21 December 2023 7.30pm - Jim Causley & Sally Sedgman - The Great Hall, Dartington Estate, Totnes TQ9 6EL (map)
Chaos at Christmas: Sally Sedgman will perform her ‘Chaos at Christmas’, or to give it its fuller title: “The Chaos Theory of Life after Christmas!” an hilarious guide to putting the festive season into perspective that everyone in the family will relate to! Join Jim Causley in celebrating the Christmas season as he entertains you with lesser known West Country carols, medieval and secular carols from around the British Isles, his own settings of moving Christmas poems by his relative, the late Cornish poet Charles Causley as well a gurt dollop of festive fun with songs of over-indulgence and even a spot of panto too! Full details www.dartington.org/event/jim-causley.

NEW Thursday 21 December 2023 8pm - Black Friday - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
Special acoustic duo show. All aboard the good ship Black Friday – join her crew and captain Tom for another stormy crossing of the Celtic sea of folk-punk. Their music is influenced by their Irish and Cornish roots and their folk heroes. Catchy original songs and take on folk favourites by the likes of Flogging Molly and Pogues will keep you dancing all night. Free.
Full details www.barbicantheatre.co.uk/whats-on.

Saturday 23 December 2023 7.30pm - Jim Causley & Sally Sedgman - Endecott House, High Street, Chagford TQ13 8AY
Details www.jimcausley.co.uk/product/chagford-23-dec.

One-liners for January 2024
NEW Sunday 14 January 2024 7.45pm - Detta Kenzie - Folk on the Moor, Moorland Hotel, Wotter
NEW Thursday 18 January 2024 8pm - Martyn Joseph - Exeter Phoenix
NEW Saturday 13 January 2024 7.30pm - d'Accord French & Breton dance and music -  Exeter
NEW Wednesday 17 January 2024 7.30pm - Stompin' Dave Electric Band - Bridge Inn, Topsham
NEW Saturday 20 January 2024 - The Annual Stoke Gabriel Wassail (the 29th) is back!
NEW Saturday 20 January 2024 8pm - Carus Thompson - Barbican Theatre, Plymouth
NEW Sunday 21 January 2024 8pm - The John Martyn Project - Exeter Phoenix
Sold out Sunday 21 January 2024 - Fishermans Friends - Princess Theatre, Torquay
NEW Saturday 27 January 2024 8pm - Ceilidh with
Dartmoor Pixie Band - Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter
NEW
Sunday 28 January 2024 7.45pm - Geoff Lakeman & Rob Murch - Folk on the Moor, Moorland Hotel, Wotter
NEW Sunday 28 January 2024 8pm - Reg Meuross (trio) - Matthews Hall, Fore Street, Topsham
NEW Sunday 28 January 2024 7.30pm - Sarah McQuaid - Tavistock Wharf

***** Part Two - Other Stuff *****

Craig Taylor (from Diptford) writes:
"I am looking for a couple of tune players - fiddle/accordion to start up a working band. I am Australian (for my sins) so think it’ll definitely be a Bush Band (compared to the finesse of the ceilidh calling/dancing). Please contact by email ct@wellmusic.co.uk or call 07786 296325."

All information is given in good faith but no responsibility can be accepted for its accuracy. Do check with the organiser before setting out on a long journey. A listing here does not guarantee that tickets are still available.
Changing your email address?
Should you need to change your email address for receiving these circulars, please use the 'Update subscription preferences' link at the foot of this email to update your details. There is also an 'Unsubscribe' link.

John Culf
johnculf@harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
'Harberton Folk' recommends Plusnet:
Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider

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21/11/23

Harberton Folk Circular - Tuesday 21 November 2023

Part Two below - Other stuff (Show of Hands: Full Circle Part II tour dates)
***** Part Two - Other Stuff *****

NEW Show of Hands: Full Circle Part II tour dates announced
After 30 years of non-stop touring, fans across the nation are in for a treat as Steve Knightley and Phil Beer return to where it all began, in village halls, folk clubs, small arts centres, and community venues. This gig promises to be a true celebration of their dedication to their roots, their music, and the communities that have supported them. Steve and Phil will then be taking a well-deserved break. They plan to pursue solo projects, explore new creative horizons, and recharge their artistic batteries. This marks the end of an era, but it also heralds exciting new beginnings for two of the folk world’s best loved musicians, Show of Hands. www.showofhands.co.uk. Tour dates in Harberton Folk's coverage area (also at Taunton and Gt. Torrington):
Wednesday 6 March 2024 - Matthews Hall, Fore Street, Topsham EX3 0HF
details tba www.showofhands.co.uk.
Sunday 10 March 2024 7.30pm - Parish Hall, West Town Road, Newton St Cyres EX5 5BW
Tickets £28 (no concs) now available from Nicola 01392 851985 or Pete exeterfolkclub@outlook.com and 01392 210983. Unreserved seating. Cash bar & raffle. www.showofhands.co.uk.
Friday 17 May 2024 7.30pm - The Rum Store, Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, Liskeard, Cornwall
details tba www.showofhands.co.uk.
Saturday 18 May 2024 7.30pm - Exeter Cathedral
Tickets now available at www.exeternorthcott.co.uk/events/show-of-hands-full-circle-tour, www.showofhands.co.uk.

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General items retained from previous circulars

Session news
Wednesday 25 October 2023 8pm - Lympstone Folk - Change of venue
We're still meeting on the fourth Wednesday at 8, but the Redwing pub in Lympstone is now closed and awaiting new owners. We are therefore currently meeting at the Swan, next to the railway station, until further notice.

Ashburton Arts Centre
Another multi-genre arts centre, described by The Guardian as "One of the best small live music venues in the UK". Up and running in an old chapel since 2018. Again, I only list the folkier events there, but see https://ashburtonarts.org.uk/ for more information on a very busy programme. Many events are priced on a 'pay what you can afford' sliding scale.

Regular klezmer and East European sessions at Ashburton
Ashburton Arts Centre will be hosting klezmer and East European sessions every 2nd Monday of the month, starting 9/10/23. Free admission. Led by Družba www.klezmer-devon.com, we’ll start off in the slow lane for the less experienced at 7 followed by the main session at 8. For details of tunes please email bunelik@gmail.com. All acoustic instruments and abilities welcome to join in, learn tunes, listen, or dance. Note that diatonic instruments such as melodeons, tin whistle, etc will need accidentals to play in keys such as G minor, D minor. If unsure, email above. Real ale bar. Full details www.ashburtonarts.org.uk/regular-activities/klezmer-east-european-session.

Tom Brown R.I.P.
A stalwart of the West Country traditional music scene with his wife Barbara, Tom sadly passed away on 30 August 2023. Tom and Barbara supported one of our concerts in Harberton back in 2001. Our thoughts, love and deepest sympathies are with Barbara and their family.

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Raddon Hill Clog Morris...
...invite you to Free Evening Taster Sessions at Kingsteignton Community Hall, TQ12 3LP, 8.00-9.30pm on Tuesdays 5th September and 3rd October 2023. For further information please call Triss or Ron on 01626 367173, see www.raddonhillclogmorris.co.uk, or email info@raddonhillclogmorris.co.uk. Membership works out at approximately £1 a practice session.

I've managed to have a fairly major updating session at the full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk which now include events as far ahead as June 2024. In my e-circulars I usually list the upcoming events for the next 2 months at most, but some events are so popular that they sell out weeks or even months in advance, so it's well worth a quick glance through the whole Diary on the website, even if it's just to get your favourite seats at your venue of choice.

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Part One - Other stuff - Map link corrections
but I have made important changes affecting the whole of the www.harbertonfolk.co.uk website and many of the entries included in these circulars.
These changes concern the Streetmap.co.uk map links I use. It came to my attention recently that many of my links no longer worked - my apologies for this! Streetmap.co.uk had changed the way their links worked. I have made corresponding corrections and - fingers crossed! - hopefully any map link you see will now work again.

East Devon session news: Tale Valley Folk Sessions...
...have just celebrated their first anniversary. www.facebook.com/TaleValleyFolkSessions. Sessions take place on the first Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm at the Nog Inn, Feniton EX14 3BT the third Sundays 12-3pm at the Talaton Inn EX5 2RQ.

Wild Goose Choir - A new folk-based community choir in South Brent
Freya Harbottle writes: "I'm soon to be starting a new folk-based community choir. The first session will be on Tuesday 6th June (7 to 9pm) and the choir will run on a regular weekly basis at The Village Hall in South Brent. We'll be learning material from across the folk canon, from the very traditional to the contemporary. Open to ages 18+. No previous choir experience required. Get in touch for more info or to book a free taster session: freyaharbottle@gmail.com.

Commonplace Creative Retreats
Miranda Sykes and Hannah Martin are running creative retreats based in a beautiful ancient farmhouse in Totnes. Each retreat is linked to the seasons, and will feature craft sessions, lots of lovely seasonal food, and an exclusive informal concert from SykesMartin to close the day.
The next event they have planned is their Beltane retreat on April 29th, with dates also in the diary for Summer Solstice (June 24th) and Midwinter (December 9th) events later in the year. Full info at: https://sykesmartin.bandzoogle.com/commonplace-creative-retreats.

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The Beehive Folk Café - Bi-monthly at Beehive Arts Centre, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ
Free, mostly acoustic session of folk, blues and roots hosted by folk singer Sue King. Everyone welcome to come along to perform or have a drink and listen to some very talented local musicians. www.beehivehoniton.co.uk. Tel: 01404 384050. Next date: Wednesday 15 March 2023 7.30pm.

Folklife
If you'd like to read and learn more about many aspects of folk throughout the West Country and beyond. then check out the following:
Free entries in Folklife's online free-to-all Directory (incl. Zoom): www.folklife-directory.uk, entry forms on site.
Folklife West folk magazine (56 A4 pages) printed & posted (paid-for) - or free online!
Read or download: www.folklife.uk, Members' News, Festivals Diary; www.folklife-traditions.uk, researched articles + archive.
Plus Updates on www.folklife.uk/updates & you can sign up for our free emailed Newsletter.
Contact sam@folklife.uk.

Folk Club News
Brixham Folk Club
now meets on the first Friday of the month at The Edge, Bolton Street, Brixham TQ5 9DH. www.facebook.com/Brixham-Folk-Club-1210249625809406, 7.30pm start, £2 performers, £3 non-performers.

Plymouth Community Folk Orchestra - Reminder
Tuesday mornings 3, 10, 17, 24 May, 14, 21, 28 June, 5, 12, 19 July - 11am to 12.30pm. £8 per session. Concession available
At Emmanuel Church Hall, Compton Avenue, (corner of Mannamead Road) Plymouth, PL3 5BZ
Make a big band, make some music, have some fun! All levels of ability welcome. Play music from Devon and beyond. Develop music skills and learning by ear. Play in harmony. Scores and sound files provided. The Community Folk Orchestra is ‘open’ - so, there are no auditions and all are welcome to come along. Participants can join at any time. You will, however, need an acoustic instrument, some enthusiasm and a willingness to participate! For more information contact David Faulkner 07967 121985 / david.eelgrinders@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/PlymouthCommunityFolkOrchestra.

Exmouth Folk Club
The Club has resumed its regular 4th Sunday meets, 7-10pm at the GWRSA Railway Club, 3-5 Royal Avenue, Exmouth EX8 1EN.
For more information call Chris Austin 07812 688432. Free admission, all performers and supporters welcome, acoustic only. Real ales are served and there is parking and level access. www.facebook.com/groups/exmouthfolk.

Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
I've always thought of Lyme Regis being well outside my normal coverage (loosely defined as "within a 30-mile radius of Totnes as the crow flies" or "the southern half of Devon), but Google Earth tells me that the town is only about 39 miles in the former category - and the Marine Theatre is putting on a great programme of major folk concerts these days, with some of the acts probably not coming any further west on their tours, so I will give the venue a listing from time to time. The main one below caught my eye in Steve Cunio's 'Sadfolk' (www.sadfolk.co.uk) latest Somerset & Dorset email circular listings as Harberton Folk put on Blazin' Fiddles at the Ariel Centre in Totnes way back in 2003 and 2005:

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Eliza Carthy & Saul Rose: I've been enjoying lots of music on Youtube and only recently came across a 2014 concert performed by Eliza & Saul in St. George's Church, Headstone, Harrow which reminded me of the wonderful show they did for us at Harberton Parish Hall back in January 2001.
Enjoy the high quality video and audio at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef22ID0qb0Q&list=PLjeyCtW07nIs5YQ41j9ASZwKUHlpMJprk&index=1.

Cecil Sharp's People.org.uk
A one-stop website for all the singers, musicians and dancers who met Cecil Sharp, as he travelled around England collecting folk music and dance between 1903-23. You can read about their lives. Over 650 individuals in hundreds of locations. They were working people – agricultural labourers, glovers, laundresses, sailors, shoemakers etc. Their stories should be told! https://cecilsharpspeople.org.uk.

The Mike Harding Folk Show
The former BBC folk show host presented a weekly show of his own online from 30 December 2012 to 22 October 2017 (over 250 programmes), and since then has presented further roughly monthly shows which still continue. All 270+ shows are available as podcasts at www.mikehardingfolkshow.com.

Folk news slightly further afield:
Somerset & Dorset (SaDFolk) folk events - Regular email updates
A regular and comprehensive emailed listing is available through www.sadfolk.co.uk (Somerset and Dorset folk, Steve Cunio) for folk events in venues large and small in those two counties, some of which are not too far away from the Harberton Folk area.
SaDFolk always includes full details of upcoming events, workshops and courses at Halsway Manor in Somerset which is owned by the Halsway Manor Society who operate the manor as a national centre for the folk arts, the only residential folk centre in the UK.
Folk in Cornwall
What it says on the tin - www.folkincornwall.co.uk - clubs, sessions, events...
Acoustic Calendar - Sign up for email updates at www.sanchobramble.weebly.com
Tony Watts' monthly calendar of folk clubs, singarounds, acoustic sessions & open mics in the South West. "The Acoustic Calendar is all about DIY music (NOT concerts, gigs, ceilidhs etc). The purpose of the Calendar is to keep you informed of all the places where you can take your voice and/or instrument and join in or do your own thing."

A quick note on what gets listed below (and in the Diary on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk):
The listings are of course primarily intended for 'folk' events; they will occasionally include Americana, blues and other genres, particularly if the event organisers have taken the trouble to send me material. Be assured though, they will never include tribute bands! (excellent though many of these are) These e-circulars usually cover the full Diary for the coming 4 to 5 weeks, while the website Diary is completely open-ended.

Frequency of these emails
I used to try to get these emails out once a week, but now they seem to be every 10-14 days. Perhaps that's not a bad thing - reducing the information overload - but it does mean that contributors need to give me as much notice as possible to hopefully ensure that their items can be included in good time. JC

Changing your subscription details:
If you change your email, or decide that you don't want to get these messages any longer, please scroll right to the bottom of any Harberton Folk e-circular where you will find links to the Mailchimp system which will enable you to make the appropriate changes.
[this exact wording borrowed from a recent SaDFolk email (Somerset and Dorset Folk) - see Part Two below]

Important Admin note: Email delivery problems

I've had problems sending the previous two circulars to 190+ addresses (mainly BTInternet, BTOpenworld, Yahoo, Sky, AOL, plus a few others, all of which use the Yahoo email platform). The circulars have been soft-bounced, i.e. rejected, on both recent occasion by most of those addresses "for policy reasons".
When the same address soft-bounces several circulars in succession, MailChimp (the system I use to send circulars) eventually hard-bounces that address, i.e. permanently removes it from the circulation and I, as Admin, cannot then reinstate that address, although the person in question can re-subscribe themself.
This has happened a couple of times over the last 12 months and I have no real idea why it happens, so it's very difficult trying to do anything about it. But this present circular is a trial inasmuch as it employs simpler formatting with less complex underlying code in the hope this may increase the acceptance rate.

In the interim I have been communicating directly with the 190+ about this problem and I would like to thank the large number of them who very helpfully responded to my last communication when I sent a copy of the latest missing circular as a PDF file attachment, apparently successfully, whereas an attempt to simply forward a copy of the original circular to a test group of 10 addresses failed.

Several people also mentioned that they had an alternative email address which could be used for receiving the circulars - and I would ask anyone in this position to please use the 'update subscription preferences' link at the very foot of any circular to update their email address in the MailChimp data base accordingly. Should you no longer be able to access any original circular, I can update your email address for you on request (but it's best if you do it yourself if possible).
If you change to a Gmail address, please note that my circulars may arrive in your Promotions inbox folder.

It remains to be seen whether the 190+ will actually receive this circular.

[version sent on 8/6/18 to remainder of 270 contacts 'cleaned' by MailChimp, inviting re-subscription]
Once again this copy of yesterday's Harberton Folk email circular is being sent directly from my laptop (not via MailChimp, nor in MailChimp format this time) to those mostly btinternet / btopenworld / yahoo / aol / sky email addresses who were removed a while back from Harberton Folk's MailChimp database due to unknown circumstances and have not yet re-subscribed.
If you wish to continue receiving the regular circulars, please re-subscribe by going to www.harbertonfolk.co.uk where you’ll find a link to a short form to complete – and you’ll be back on the list.
Or simply reply to this email and ask me to re-subscribe you.
You can view Harberton Folk's GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy on the website.
Note that the e-circulars are now being sent from hfolk@johnculf.co.uk.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
At some point in the not too distant future I will no longer be able to continue sending these separate copies to you.
Best wishes
John Culf

[version sent to NON-GDPR segment on 8/6/18]
GDPR - Still time to update your preferences to continue receiving Harberton Folk Circulars - Please act now
The new GDPR data protection law came into force on May 25th.
I'm still hoping some more of the people who have not yet UPDATED THEIR PREFERENCES appropriately (see the link at the very foot of this circular) will do so to enable me to continue sending them the circulars. You will also find an 'unsubscribe' link there, should you need it.
The full list of 1350+ contacts is now effectively split into two parts, one containing the 955 contacts who have already updated, the other (to which this customised version of yesterday's circular is being sent) containing the remainder.
Alternatively, you can simply reply to this email and I can do the updates for you, if you tell me that is your wish.
New contacts can subscribe to the circulation at any time via a link provided on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation. John Culf

[version sent to GDPR CONSENT segment on 7/6/18]
Firstly, my thanks to the 955 contacts who have (thus far) confirmed their consent to continue receiving Harberton Folk emails. My list is now effectively divided into two parts, i.e. those who have, and those who have not (yet), re-confirmed. I'm now able to send separately to the two groups and will be sending further GDPR reminders (with the circular) to the latter group, and can assure everyone receiving this version of today's that this is the last time I will mention GDPR! Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation. John Culf

Harberton Folk Circular - Friday 25 May 2018
If you would like to continue receiving Harberton Folk email circulars...
...you must confirm your consent to do so - or your contact details will soon be removed from the circulation
!
I know many of you will be fed up of receiving emails about
GDPR - but today May 25th is the day the new law comes into force.
To date, barely half of my 1300+ contacts have signed up for continued circulars and I am sure there are many more who wish to remain on the list but just haven't got round to taking the appropriate action yet.
Even if you don't read any more of this circular, jump to the "Update subscription preferences" link at the very foot of this email which will offer you a very short simple form to complete - your existing details will already be there (with asterisks blanking most of your email address for security) - just tick both the vacant boxes and click 'Update Profile'. You can enter a completely different email address if you wish. (You could even 'Unsubscribe'!)
I intend to send several further reminders about this in the coming days because I really want to lose as few contacts as possible from the list.

Harberton Folk Circular - Tuesday 15 May 2018
Sorry it's been so long since the last circular. GDPR stuff has been taking up a lot of my spare time, but I think I'm almost there now.
GDPR Update - My Next Email will Require Action on Your Part
My next email (hopefully tomorrow) will be particularly important as it will hopefully ensure that the Harberton Folk email circulation is operating in compliance with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force with effect from 25 May 2018.
You must take action as indicated in that next email (or any subsequent reminders) if you wish to continue receiving the e-circulars, i.e. re-confirm your consent to receive Harberton Folk e-circulars.
If you do not, we will unfortunately be obliged to remove your name and email address from the circulation.
Sorry to sound rather 'technical' or officious, but this IS REALLY IMPORTANT and we don't want to lose you!
Please also note that a few changes are also being made at the same time in the hope of reducing the likelihood of these circulars being regarded as spam/junk by some email systems/providers. For example, the sending address will in future appear as hfolk@johnculf.co.uk (in case you need to 'whitelist' this address or otherwise approve it for receiving Harberton Folk e-circulars.
John

Update on the New Data Protection Law (GDPR)
My thanks to the significant number of people who have sent comments and offered advice on this subject, following my piece last week. I'm beginning to get a good idea of what I need to do to keep the Harberton Folk email circulation 'legal' and will share this with you soon. It will require simple action on your part to enable you to continue receiving the e-circulars.

New Data Protection Law
Some of you may have heard recent mention of a new (EU) data protection law coming into effect on May 25th; some may have even heard its name: General Data Protection Regulation 'GDPR'. I am still struggling to understand the possible  implications of this for my Harberton Folk email circulars and the MailChimp data base containing your details which underpins the circulars, and what I may have to do - and ask you to do - to ensure compliance with the new law and thereby allow you to continue receiving these circulars. Watch this space! JC

Flaxey Green Website - www.flaxey-green.co.uk
This excellent Devon website contains a wealth of folk-related information in addition to an events diary, such as comprehensive listings for folk dance clubs, pub sessions, bands, solo artists, callers, musicians wanted/available, morris sides, a For Sale section (currently including a couple of melodeons, a Peavey KB3 amplifier and other sound equipment.

Reminder for Gmail users:
As well as probably putting these circulars in the Promotions inbox folder (rather than the Primary folder), Gmail also 'clips' long emails, such as these circulars, and you need to select the 'View entire message' option to do just that.

'Roots and Shoots' on Exeter's community radio station Phonic FM www.phonic.fm
Listen on 106.8 FM and online on 1st, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Mondays of the month 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Featuring the best in folk/roots music with a strong emphasis on local music - both live in the studio and recorded. News too of folk/roots events in Exeter and south and east Devon. We welcome contributions from musicians, singers and anyone involved with folk/roots/world music in and around Exeter. Most importantly, listen in, then get in touch to tell us your reactions and suggestions. Contact Roots and Shoots: Telephone 01837 871498 (Martin Henning), email m.henning@hotmail.co.uk.
A message from Adrian Bull
"I co-host the 'Roots and Shoots' radio show. I specialise in playing all things folk(ish) and am particularly keen to promote local artists and events/clubs. If you are a musician and would like me to play some of your music on the show, or even come on as a guest, then I would love to hear from you. I am also keen to have promoters, folk club organisers on the programme."

'Technical' Notes
1) I send copies of my circulars to several different email addresses of my own (Plusnet, Hotmail, Gmail) to help check that as many as possible are reaching their intended recipients. Last week the copy to my Plusnet address unusually finished up in my spam folder. Very occasionally a copy may disappear without trace. I have no idea why - the joys of email! Anyway, if you think you may be missing a copy at any time, you can always find the full open-ended southern Devon Folk Diary listings on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk, along with the most recent circular(s).
2) A chance communication with a recipient of these circulars has revealed that Gmail, as well as probably putting the circulars in the Promotions inbox folder (rather than the Primary folder), also 'clips' long emails, such as these circulars, and you need to select the 'View entire message' option to do just that.
The person in question had failed to see the 'Christmas events' section in Part because of the above clipping.

The following interesting item appeared in Steve Cunio's Somerset & Dorset Folk Events Diary email today - Have any Harberton Folk recipients experienced this issue yet?
"Do you use Gmail?
I've had a couple of emails from people asking why SaDFolk had started to send them Google Calendar invitations to events they had no interest in. I haven't changed anything here, but following a bit of searching round the Net, I found that Google had made this 'improvement' to their service.
If you have a Gmail account and a Google Calendar account and any email you receive contains something which Google interprets as an event you might want to go to, it automatically adds the invitation to your calendar and sends you an email about it.
To turn this off, you need log into your Google Calendar then click on the gear wheel icon in the top right, select ‘settings’ then look for ‘Events in Gmail’. Under that there should be a ‘Add automatically’ setting. Deselect that and the problem should go away."
Please let me know (by reply to this email) if you as a Harberton Folk recipient have experienced this issue. Thanks. JC

Folklore & Mythology Resource Guide
I've added the following link www.supersummary.com/folklore-mythology-guide (Folklore and Mythology Resource Guide) to the Links page page on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

An 'interesting' email problem
Those of you who read my recent notes about the various problems I experience when sending these e-circulars may be interested/amused to see a (new) rejection message received from a recipient at a local educational establishment. I have highlighted the offending word in bold/red and added spaces so it's not rejected again. This word appeared in the item about Hayseed Dixie:
Microsoft Antigen for Exchange found a message matching a filter. The message is currently Identified.
Message: "hf21_30 080226"
Filter name: "KEYWORD= racial discrimination: h i l l b i l l y"
Sent from: "John Culf"